The crescent-chested puffbird is a species of near-passerine bird in the family Bucconidae, the puffbirds, nunlets, and nunbirds. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, Eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the Atlantic Forest from southern Bahia south through Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Prefers humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forest, including mature forest, edges, and well-shaded secondary growth. Often found along forested streams, in gullies, and near earthen banks where it may nest. It typically uses the lower to mid understory, perching 1–5 meters above ground. Tolerates some disturbance if substantial canopy cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A sit-and-wait predator of the Atlantic Forest understory, the crescent-chested puffbird spends long periods motionless on low perches before sallying for prey. Its bold white crescent across the upper breast is a key field mark. It nests in burrows excavated into earthen banks, an unusual habit among perching birds. Despite occurring in several protected areas, it is sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, sitting quietly on low to mid-level perches. Breeding pairs excavate a tunnel nest in an earthen bank or steep slope, where they lay a small clutch and share incubation and care. They show strong site fidelity within suitable forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, plaintive whistled notes, often a short descending series delivered from a concealed perch. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls may include dry ticks or chips when agitated.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine buff streaking, a whitish throat, and a bold white crescent across the upper breast; underparts buff to rufous with variable dusky streaking or barring. Tail is dark with subtle bars; feathers appear soft and slightly fluffy. Bill is stout with a slight hook at the tip.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, including beetles, orthopterans, spiders, and caterpillars. It uses a sit-and-wait strategy, sallying from a perch to snatch prey from foliage or the ground. Occasionally takes small vertebrates such as tiny lizards when available. Prey is typically subdued and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory of humid forest, along edges, and near stream banks. Often hunts from low horizontal branches, stumps, or vine tangles with good visibility to the forest floor.
